The Book of Akbar 13: Death of Sultan Bahadur.

13

[Text, vol. i. p. 177.] When Humayun returned to Agra, Bhupal Rai, the ruler of Bijagarh, finding the fort of Mandu empty, came up boldly and took possession of it. Kadir Shah also returned there, and Miran Muhammad Faruki also came up from Burhanpur. Sultan Bahadur remained a fortnight at Champanir, and then returned to Diu. * * Upon reaching the port, he found the Portuguese commander had arrived there with his vessels and fighting men. The Portuguese chief was apprehensive that as the Sultan was no longer in want of assistance, he meditated some treachery. So he sent to inform the Sultan that he had come as requested, but that he was ill and unable to go on shore, so that the interview must be deferred until he got better. The Sultan, quitting the royal road of safety, proceeded on the 3rd Ramazan, 943 h., with a small escort, on board a boat to visit the Governor. As soon as he reached the vessel, he discovered that it was a mere pretence of sickness, and he was sorry that he had come. He sought to return directly ; but the Portuguese were unwilling that such prey should escape them, and hoped that by keeping him prisoner, they might obtain some more ports. The governor came forward, and asked the Sultan to stay a little while, and examine some curiosities he had to present. The Sultan requested that they might be sent after him, and turned quickly towards his own boat. A European kazi (priest ?) placed himself in the Sultan's way, and bade him stop. The Sultan, in exasperation, drew his sword, and cleft him in twain ; then he leaped into his own boat. The Portuguese vessels which were around drew together round the Sultan’s boat, and a fight began. The Sultan and Rumi Khan threw themselves into the water. A friend among the Portuguese stretched a hand to Rumi Khan, and saved him; but the Sultan was drowned in the waves. His companions also perished.